This week we will discuss some of the interior finishes. We will start with the walls and ceilings. In order to stay organized I recommend you make a chart. List the rooms in your home on the left side and write wall, ceilings, floors across the top (see example below). Include floors on the chart, we will discuss some of the flooring options next week. While considering the finishes don't be too concerned about the colours for the time being. We will discuss colour in a later post. If you need help your designer can assist you to make the choices and achieve the look you desire within your budget.
Ceiling design: There are many options to design a more interesting ceiling than a flat surface, especially if you have higher ceilings. You might consider suspending part of the ceiling, recessing a portion of the ceiling with possible integrated lighting, and adding traditional ceiling beams or other forms of ceiling partitions. A sense of space and privacy can be created with the design of the ceiling without the use of walls; ask your designer for assistance to create the ceiling that suits your needs. Ceiling design is an opportunity to create a unique space without inhibiting the flow within that space or affecting the accessibility of an area.
Wall design: Walls don't necessarily have to be straight, solid floor to ceiling partitions. Walls might be translucent, partial, curved, or angled. Consider using partial or translucent walls where a sense of separation is wanted but privacy is not needed. If you are renovating you might consider moving or eliminating walls.
Walls and ceilings finishes: Most homes have smooth gypsum board, also know as drywall, on the walls and smooth or textured gypsum boards on the ceiling. While these are the most commonly used materials they are by no means the only ones. The following is a list of some options available. If you have a question about a product listed below or would like more information feel free to ask.
Gypsum board is very versatile as it can be finished smooth or giving a texture. It can be painted in any colour of the rainbow or wallpaper can be applied. Gypsum board is an economical choice and changing the colour in the future is easily possible. Gypsum board can be installed around curved walls, and corners can be rounded.
Wood is another option for wall and ceilings. It gives the home a rustic and warm feel. There are several domestic wood species available; pine, spruce, cedar, oak, maple, poplar, and others. Wood is locally available in most regions in Canada and can be a sustainable choice. Wood can be left natural or stained and finished. Wood can be a cost effective alternative to Gypsum board as it is locally available in Canada and relatively easy to install.
Flooring is sometimes used for ceilings or accent walls. Flooring materials come in a wide variety of materials, finishes and colours. We will cover the different flooring materials next week. As these products are manufactured for flooring they are exceptionally durable and long lasting in wall or ceiling applications. Using flooring on walls and/or ceilings makes them a considerable costlier choice than gypsum board.
Tiles come in the traditional tile look, stone look, wood look, or patterns. With such a large variety of tiles available there is a suitable tile for almost any room. The installation of tiles is costly and the tiles themselves can be expensive. Tiles feel cold to the touch.
Suspended ceilings are another option especially if you want to have easy access to the space above the ceiling. They are available in fiber, wood, and metal panels, each with different textures and finishes available. Most of the fiber panels can be painted in the color of your choice. Some ceiling panels are made from recycled materials making them a sustainable choice.
Panels for walls and ceilings are available from several suppliers in cork, wood, resin, and fabric to name a few. Panels can create a great accent wall, absorb sound, add to insulation, and make a design statement. The diversity of the available panels is too great to go into detail here.
Glass and resin are alternatives for wall construction and finish. They can provide privacy and separation without taking up a lot of space. Because they are translucent to some degree allowing light to filter through, they can provide an interior room without windows with some daylight.
Next week we will have a look at different flooring options.